South Korean President Lee Jae-myung made history by visiting Japan first during his overseas trip, a departure from his predecessors’ approach. The summit with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba marked a significant thaw in relations between the two nations.
The two countries issued their first joint statement in 17 years, pledging cooperation on AI, trade, and denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula. They also announced plans to launch a joint task force to tackle shared challenges such as aging populations and declining birth rates.
What’s striking about this summit is not what was signed, but the warm words exchanged between the two leaders. Lee described Ishiba as “close friends,” a stark contrast to past tensions fueled by Japan’s colonial occupation of Korea.
This recent development reflects the changing dynamics in the region. Both countries are navigating a complex relationship with the US, where President Donald Trump’s unpredictable foreign policy has thrown once-stable alliances into question.
Experts say Trump’s erratic diplomacy is unnerving for allies and casting doubt on American security guarantees. Japan is particularly concerned about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and North Korea’s growing nuclear arsenal.
The summit also highlighted economic tensions between the three nations, with trade wars and tariffs impacting both economies. Both leaders must balance ties with Beijing while managing their relationship with Washington without compromising their interests.
Lee’s pragmatic approach to diplomacy may have been influenced by Ishiba’s experience dealing with Trump. If Ishiba steps down due to domestic pressure, it will be crucial for his successor to maintain the newfound spirit of cooperation between Japan and South Korea.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/08/23/asia/japan-south-korea-summit-analysis-intl-hnk